What is Macular Pucker?

Macular pucker affects approximately 10 percent of people, particularly men and women over the age of 50. Based in the center of your retina, the macula is responsible for the part of your vision that allows you to see straight ahead. As you read the text on this page, you are using your macula. When the retinal surface forms an extra layer of tissue and contracts, distorting the retina, it is known as a macular pucker. They look like a piece of scotch tape and can distort the central vision. If you start to notice this, you should see a doctor for macular pucker as soon as possible.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease, which causes visual loss in patients over the age of 50. The vision loss is painless, usually gradual and not severe, but can be variable among patients. Macular degeneration is named for the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Peripheral vision is usually not affected by macular degeneration and often, this illness will go unnoticed until a patient engages in a task such as driving or reading, in which central vision is crucial. As the term “degeneration” implies, the illness becomes more noticeable over time and tends to get worse with or without treatment. Macular degeneration typically affects adults over 65 and the main risk factors for the disease are increasing age and genetics (family history of macular degeneration). Smoking, high cholesterol and hypertension are also risk factors. This disease does not cause total blindness and most macular degeneration patients can see well enough to care for themselves.

What is Retinal Tear and Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is treatable when caught early. Treatment may or may not involve an in or outpatient surgical procedure. In cases that do require surgery, a patient may require immediate attention or the procedure may be postponed for days or even weeks depending on the condition’s severity. Two major retinal detachment surgeries include: Vitrectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon removes the vitreous jelly, which has pulled on the retina and caused retinal detachment. Usually, the doctor then replaces the fluid with a gas bubble, which the eye, in time, will absorb and replace with its natural fluids. Doctors may recommend this surgery in instances where:

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where high blood sugars damage the blood vessels in the retina (the retina is the layer of cells in the back of the eye that transmit light to the brain to form images). There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

What is Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) and Macular Edema?

The retina is the light-sensing layer of cells that lines the inner wall of the back of the eye. The retina converts light into signals that are sent to the brain where they are recognized as images. What is Retinal Vein Occlusion? Your retinas require a rich supply of oxygenated blood. This blood is carried to the retina from the heart through arteries, while veins carry deoxygenated blood from the retina back to the heart via the optic nerves. The arteries that transport oxygen to your retina may stiffen and thicken over the years, especially in people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The retinal arteries and veins are close to the optic nerve and cross various locations on the retina’s surface. As arteries thicken, they can compress the retinal vein at artery-vein crossing points or in the optic nerve. This compression can be so severe that the veins become constricted and thus blood flow to the heart is reduced. The blood then backs up into the retina not unlike the water in a clogged bathtub. The pressure of blood in the veins causes swelling (called macular edema) and bleeding in the retina.

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Santa Ana Macular Pucker

The condition known as macular pucker is one of the most common reasons why California patients consult with our Santa Ana macular pucker doctors. The macular is located in the center of the retina. The job of the macular is to provide sharp and central vision a person needs in order to drive, read, and see fine details. When scar tissue forms around the macula, this is called a macular pucker. A patient who has a macular pucker often suffers with central vision that is blurred or distorted.

How Do Macular Puckers Form?

In order to understand how macular puckers form, it is helpful to understand the makeup of the eye. Approximately 80 percent of the inside of the eye is filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous. Vitreous is made up of millions of fine fibers which are actually attached to the retina. As a person ages, the vitreous gradually begins to shrink, causing it to pull away from the surface of the retina. Vitreous detachment is a common and normal occurrence. There are no real negative effects for this condition, although many people do report seeing more “floaters.”

Occasionally, when the vitreous pulls away from the retina, it causes some damage to the surface of the retain. As the retina heals, scar tissue is formed and firmly attaches to the retina’s surface. When this scar tissue contracts, the retina puckers up. While this typically has no effect on the person’s vision, if the scar tissue develops over the macular, the vision is affected.

The majority of people who develop macular puckers are usually 50 years of age or older, not surprising since it is aging that increases the risk of the condition. There are also certain health conditions that can cause a macular pucker, including:

Detached retina
Diabetic retinopathy
Eye trauma
Inflammation of the eye

Symptoms of Macular Pucka

As a Santa Ana macular pucker doctor can explain, there are several symptoms a person may suffer that indicate a macular pucker has formed:

Blindspot or gray area in the center of the person’s vision
Blurry vision
Difficulty making out fine detail
Difficulty reading small print
Distorted vision
Straight lines appearing wavy

Fortunately, for most people who develop macular pucker, their vision issues do not usually get any worse. Typically, the condition only affects one eye, but there is the potential for the other eye to eventually develop the condition. If the condition is mild, the patient will likely need no treatment. In some cases, the scar tissue that is causing the condition pulls away completely from the retina and the condition clears up on its own.

However, there are also situation where the patient’s vision continues to worsen and begins to interfere with their ability to perform even their daily activities. In these situations, surgery may be the best option.

If you are having issues with your vision, contact the Retina Associates of Orange County to schedule an appointment with one of our Santa Ana macular pucker doctors.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   James Fan 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very detailed eye check up, and Dr Goldman explained all the results very clearly.
  
 
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   Roz Cole 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt & efficient.
  
 
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   Andy Shields 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional office
  
 
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   PBofLN 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Dr. Eifreg for a number of years now since he reattached my almost completely detached retina. He is an excellent doctor and surgeon. He never rushes me through my appointments and answers any questions I have. In addition, he is personable, can be funny, and is just a very nice man. From the front office staff to the assistants who check your eyes before you see Dr, Eifreg, they are all extremely efficient. I am now on yearly maintenance visits and they always contact my insurance for a referral before my appointment. I also always get an appointment reminder text or call. But what’s really amazing - This is a VERY busy practice and I am always seen on time or within maybe 15 mins of my appointment time. I don’t know how they do it, but this office runs like a well-oiled machine. And to top it off, EVERYONE is helpful, cheerful and has a “service” attitude at all times. I know this all sounds too good to be true, but it is honestly the case at Dr. Eifreg’s office. I am so glad my primary doctor sent me to Dr. Eifreg for my retina surgery. Of course the most important thing is that he’s an excellent surgeon, but it’s also wonderful that he runs a great office with an exceptional staff!
  
 
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   Deb Hanna 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone at this office was very friendly.
The office was definitely busy but It was my first visit there and they still made me feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Gupta explained my condition so I could easily understand it and was very pleasant to talk with. I had to leave another Retina group because of an insurance change but think the transition to this new group went smoothly and will be a good fit for me moving forward.
  
 
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   Diane Bridges 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very efficient and pleasant staff. Excellent doctor. Have been going to him for nine years. I would never change doctors!
  
 
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   PriscillA Schultz 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. everyone is very kind and thorough in the office. The doctor is great and was on time.
  
 
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   Gale Oliver 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. God is using Dr. Maguire in a great way! Thumbs up to his practice!!!
We pray for God's continual blessing in Jesus name Amen
  
 
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   Jim Dingwall 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional, courteous and will explain any kind of procedures that you might need.
  
 
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   Carlos Marcial 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A couple of years ago, I developed a serious problem with my left eye. I was very scared because I could see when looking to the right, but my vision became blurry when I looked to the left and even when looking straight ahead. It was affecting my daily life, and I knew I needed help.
I went to see Dr. Charles W.G. Eifrig at Retina Associates of Orange County. He carefully explained the problem with my eye and stressed the importance of treating it as soon as possible. He treated me with eye injections, and after the first injection, I was amazed by the improvement. My vision became clear again, and I felt tremendous relief. After that, I received three or four additional treatments to ensure my eye continued to heal properly and maintain the improvement.
Dr. Eifrig is knowledgeable, caring, and takes the time to explain everything in a way that is easy to understand. His expertise and prompt treatment made a huge difference in my recovery.
I will always be grateful for what Dr. Eifrig did for my left eye. He genuinely changed my life by helping restore my vision. He is simply the best doctor, and I highly recommend him to anyone needing specialized retinal care.
Thank you, Dr. Eifrig!

Santa Ana Macular Pucker

How Do Macular Puckers Form?

Symptoms of Macular Pucka

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